UVSC Global Awareness Week 2005
November 6-12, 2005
The first ever UVSC Global Awareness Week, coordinated by the Office of International Affairs, was held on UVSC campus November 6-12, 2005. This week was filled with internationally-related events which brought the world closer to UVSC students, faculty, staff and campus guests.
The week was kicked off with the parade of international costumes (photo upper left) through the UVSC hallways and an ethnic food cook off (photo lower right) arranged by the UVSC International Student Council.
Center for Service and Learning arranged the annual Hunger Banquet during which the attendees learned about world hunger. All of the proceeds from the event went to the local food bank.
The key note speaker for the week was His Excellency Kassahun Ayele, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to the United States. He delivered a powerful presentation on U.S.-Ethiopia relations to UVSC students.
Career and Student Employment Services held an International Employer Discussion Panel. Career experts readily shared their experience on how to succeed in international employment.
Center for the Study of Ethics organized the Global Awareness Essay Contest. The essays addressed the topic of how an awareness of global issues relates to local civic engagement. The winners received: 1st place— $300, 2nd—$200, 3rd—$100. A $200 prize was also awarded for the best creative work (poetry) on the connection between global awareness and local life. Winners read their essays to the public at the Monthly Ethics Forum.
The School of Business Executive Lecture Series hosted President and CEO of the American-Russian Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Deborah Palmieri (photo left with the Ambassador of Ethiopia). In her presentation to UVSC students, Dr. Palmieri dismissed the misconceptions about doing business in Russia and expressed optimism about the future growth of trade and investment between the U.S. and Russia.
The annual Mr. and Ms. UVSC International organized by the Black Student Union was as successful as ever. Asian, Polynesian, Latin American, Native American and Slavic couples showcased their unique cultures in the pageant. This year’s theme, Mardi Gras, was dedicated to the victims of the hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
The grand finale of the Global Awareness Week was Fiesta Hispana featuring festive buffet-dinner and a debut performance by the UVSC Spanish Legacy Group. Consul of Mexico, Mr. Salvador Jimenez (second on the right), attended the event and expressed his interest in cooperating with UVSC on the educational issues of the Hispanic community.
Other GAW events included International Service and Learning presentations including projects in Russia, Ghana, Mexico and Guatemala; lunchtime ethics open discussion; and international 3 on 3 basketball tournament.
